Rebecca (Betsy) Nicholson BN RN BSc

Welcome to my e-portfolio

I invite you to explore my credentials and contributions and ideas as I navigate through my healthcare profession

Home: Welcome

My Story

Personal Profile

I became a registered nurse following in my mother's footsteps when I was 26. I was slow to acknowledge my path after courting several faculties among them biology, psychology and anthropology. As I entered nursing school I was struck by the importance of the career and the possible impact one can have in the world. I have worked as a surgical nurse and have gained valuable experience working for almost a decade in the emergency department. The emergency department is where I truly grew to value the collaboration among healthcare professionals. The importance of each team member reveals itself so obviously in the emergency department especially at moments of stress with critically ill patients. I have had the privilege to volunteer with Team Broken Earth on a relief mission in Haiti. This experience helped me value my profession even more to see what a difference small actions can make in the life of a person who comes from poverty with very few resources to draw from. I currently work in a management position, my perspective changed yet again and I am more aware of the struggles and work that is involved with policy building and improvement of healthcare services. My healthcare career is still developing and changing and I look forward to embracing the future wherever it leads.

Home: Bio

Values

Respect

As a leader with a management role in Eastern health I believe it is important that respect is conveyed to colleagues. Acknowledging a professional's contribution and unique perspective and truly showing that they are appreciated can improve relations and efficiency when collaborating as a team.

Transparency

Being honest and transparent about the factors and circumstances that lead to a given decision is paramount when attempting to illicit cooperation as a leader in a health care team. It is important the team knows why a certain course of action is being taken so they believe in the work being done.

Education

Healthcare is a field that is ever changing. What was best practice a year ago may not be anymore. I believe in staying up to date on advances in health care and changing knowledge. I may not be involved with direct patient care but I have found that having a good base knowledge of disease processes, treatment and severity has helped me make responsible decisions.

Home: List

Professional History

My Qualifications

August 2008 - November 2009

Registered Nurse, Surgical Program

As a Registered Nurse on a surgical floor within Eastern Health I was responsible to regularly assess and care for patients. My responsibilities included but were not limited to; administering medications, caring for drains, complex wound care, advanced nursing skills like removing central lines, ostomy care, tracheostomy care, collaboration with wound care nurses, dieticians, social workers and staff physicians.

November 2009- February 2019

Registered Nurse, Emergency Department

As an Emergency Nurse with Eastern health I provided holistic and supportive care to clients in many ways including but not limited to; emergency cardiac interventions, trauma care, triage, palliation, complex wounds, resuscitation and emergent psychiatric support. This job was heavily focused on interprofessional collaboration and required excellent assessment and organizational skills.

February 2019- Present

Site Clinical Manager, Clinical Efficiency

The clinical efficiency department works with senior management, physicians, managers and frontline staff to implement strategies that improve patient flow. As a site manager I have the responsibility to manage and coordinate clinical services and Human Resources at the local children's hospital and two adult acute care facilities in St. John's. As a site manager I act as a liaison between easter health and other regional health authorities to coordinate access to medical services.

Home: Experience

"It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver."